Architecture

3D printing working for architecture

Why use 3D printing in architecture?

An increasing number of architects are delving into the world of 3D printing to cut costs and time spent on creating models.
Architects often work to tight deadlines. Thanks to its patented 3D high speed printing technology, the Rapid range can print large 3D models in hours instead of days, and at very low cost.
The high-end surface finish will produce ideal models for presentation, communication, validation and coordination of the architectural project.
The Rapid range by Prismlab offers the right solution for all architectural competitions, whether for house plans, building design, or models of schools or other public works.

Why use 3D printing in architecture?

The origins of 3D printing in architecture
Originally, 3D printing had not been intended for the field of architecture. It had been designed for high-tech industries such as automotive and aerospace. This technology is now available to all architects who want to accurately model their work to approved standards.
We’ll explain how 3D printing has become a cornerstone of the process of architectural design, especially in the key stage of project validation.
First, let’s take a look at the context of recent years. The concept of digital modelling in architectural projects emerged a few years ago. This movement was strongly encouraged by public and professional bodies. BIM (Building Information Model) is a method that has revolutionized the construction world. BIM has also naturally drastically changed the CAD software industry designed for modelling architecture. Software such as ArchiCad (Virtual Building), REVIT (building information modelling), AutoCAD (electronic drawing board), Bentley Microstation, AllPlan, SketchUp, Rhinoceros 3D has adapted to this trend.
BIM is a digital model collaborative management system: each project player inputs data of the 3D architectural model. The 3D model is enriched and offers complete transparency to all stakeholders. Besides being a unifying factor, the purpose of BIM lies in this specific point: providing genuine upstream readability in order to anticipate technical requirements, co-activity schedule, purchases etc. In short, BIM is innovative and disruptive. But BIM alone remains incomplete.

To launch a project, an ultimate step is necessary: that of validation. For this, the key ingredient in the innovative BIM process is clearly 3D printing. Today, it is the essential element of architectural design. 3D printing of the digital model is the first stage of the digital mock-up. The jury gets a clear and accurate grasp of the architectural project from all angles. This physical and palpable validation is all the more important in that it illustrates the entirety of the project. A poor architectural model won’t win anything. Why are 3D printers the perfect solution for architectural models?
Lead time divided by 8 = flexibility: thanks to the Rapid range of 3D printers distributed by x3D Pro, the time line for completion of architectural models is reduced by up to 10 times. When model makers announce 6 months, we can turnaround within 3 weeks! With x3D Pro, it is possible for architects to finalize and save time in architectural competitions.
Cost divided by 5 = profitability: it is now possible to reduce by up to 5 times the costs of production of an architectural model, in particular through the fast printing of the Rapid range.
SLA technology = professional quality: surface quality must be perfectly clean and smooth. Through the SLA technology of 3D printing, the Prismlab Rapid range offers flawless and extremely smooth finishing.